EVA STEPHANIE THOMPSON (KWIECIEN)

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EVA STEPHANIE THOMPSON (nee KWIECIEN) On September 27, 2012, with her family by her side surrounded in love, we lost our grand lady, Eva Stephanie Thompson. Mom/Nana leaves behind her children: Rod (Isabel), Clyde (Mildred), Kerry (Frank), Grant, Allister, Darci, and Shannon (Greg); her grandchildren Ian, Terri (Jay), Sheridan, Aeron, Richard, David, Stephen, Jesse (Ben), Paul, Brandi, Stephanie, Ryan, Reagan and Quinn; as well as her great-grandchildren Jocosa, Finley, Tiegan, Liam and Kai. Mom/Nana was born August 1, 1928 in Morweena, Manitoba to a loving family that encouraged her mischievous spirit and her strength of character. She had great bonds with her sisters and her one brother growing up, and those continued into their later years. The family takes great pride in the bonds of love that she first demonstrated with them, and then passed on to us, her children and grandchildren. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Stephen 21 years ago, but continued to live her life large and loving with him absent from her days. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Bernice, Caroline, Virginia, Julia, Agnes (who was always known as 'Pam'), Micheline, and Frances, and her brother Frank, as well as her infant son. Family was the most important thing in Eva's life and she raised all of us to understand the importance of family and of standing together during the good times and the bad. A fantastic cook, a lover of life, an adventurer, and always enjoying a good party, Mom brought joy to everyone around her with her quick, sparkling wit, and her sense of mischief. She made everyday things fun and dealt with the tough times with such strength and elegance, teaching us all the time that it is not what happens to you in this life, it is how you deal with it that makes the difference. To our beautiful Mom and Nana. The years with you seemed as endless as the stars in Hawaii. We never thought they would end. Your love was unconditional. Every moment, you chose to spend in love and in good memories. You reminded each of us that you loved us all every time we saw you. It was your Mantra. Your grandchildren and great-grandchildren were fortunate to have known you and have loved you deeply. (Some of them even lived with you and got first dibs on perogies.) We said to each other that we will always be together. For all of our days, and in the last days. We will hold true to that and see you one day again. Until then, may you and Papa Steve smile down on the love you have given us and taught, and we will continue to know that we make you proud. In her final days, and with her passing pending, the call went out to all her family and they responded and attended at her side; to assist in any way possible, and to just offer back the love she had given to us time and again. Family attended from California, Victoria, Vancouver, St. Johns, and New Zealand, and never left her unattended or alone for a moment. Her young people, her grandchildren in particular, responded outstandingly with their love and tender care. It was humbling to watch. Thank you. Her children and grandchildren spent those last few days supporting and loving her, with laughter and tears. We held close to each other and to her, and loved Mom/Nana right through until the end. Mom/Nana was special to each one of us because she could transcend through the different generations to each one individually, and could be so personable with each one of us, child or grandchild, so that we each felt a unique relationship and connection with her. We were all her 'favourite'. Love you forever. Now and always. Go in peace. At Eva's request, no ceremony will take place. A private celebration of her life will take place at a later date, and to be advised. Should cards of condolence want to be issued, please send them care of Kerry Cazzorla, 708 Lindsay Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3N 1H7. Donations may be made in her name to the Manitoba Lung Association, as in the end it was her lungs that gave out...not her heart or her spirit.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2012